For a parrot, a toy is more than just a fun plaything — it’s essential for both their physical and mental wellbeing. Toys help stimulate a bird’s curiosity, allow them to engage in foraging behaviors, and even keep their beaks trimmed!
But parrot species are as varied as they are colorful, and there is no one-size-fits-all bird toy. Here, we discuss general recommendations to keep in mind to help choose the right toy for your feathered friend.
Size Matters
The toy that you would buy for a cockatiel would be much different than one that you would choose for a greenwing macaw. Simply put, size is probably the first consideration you need to make when purchasing a toy. Something too large for your bird or too difficult to break will cause them to lose interest quickly. On the other hand, a toy that is too small will either break immediately or pose a choking hazard to your bird.
Finding the Right Materials
Bird toys can be made from a wide variety of materials. Many toys are made from a combination of multiple different materials. Here are some of the most common ones that you will find:
Wood: The type of wood you select will vary depending on your bird. Smaller birds will generally prefer softer woods, while larger birds may enjoy trying to tear into a piece of something sturdier.
Acrylic: This nearly indestructible material is often brightly colored and used as part of a toy. It works exceptionally well for puzzle toys that are meant to be reused.
Metal: Some birds love the clang of metal, especially in a bell. This is another material that should last a long time.
Natural Materials: This can include a wide variety of materials which are enticing for birds to shred and chew, such as coconut, palm leaves, wicker, and other natural fibers.
Ladders, Boings, and Swings, Oh My!
Many parrots enjoy climbing and swinging through their habitat. Providing different places for your bird to hang out, swing, and bounce helps to enrich their environment, and ladders and swings are a great way to accomplish this. You might be surprised at how acrobatic your bird can be!
Variety Is the Spice of Life
To meet all of your bird’s mental and physical needs, you’ll need to include a variety of toys in their cage and play area. Have things that they can chew and destroy, along with sturdier items and puzzles to keep them engaged. As toys get torn up beyond recognition, it’s important to replace them. Rotating your toys out is also a great way to make sure your bird doesn’t get bored.
Need Help Selecting the Right Toy?
If you are new to living with a parrot or just looking for something new to catch their interest, our staff would be happy to help you select something that’s just right for your bird. Contact us today or browse our online selection of bird toys!
While 2020 has certainly had its share of ups and downs, we wanted to take a moment to focus on something positive: this September, we are celebrating our 37th anniversary! We are grateful for all of the people who have helped this store grow and become a place where we can all share our love of birds. Here, we take some time to reflect on how we got to where we are today.
Simon’s Story
Our story begins with the man for whom the store is named: Todd Marcus himself. Ever since he was a young boy, Todd loved animals. He would often visit a pet farm in Miami which imported animals, including exotic birds. Todd took a special interest in the birds and would spend time taming them.
As an adult, he found himself working for a company that sold birds wholesale to various stores. Since he had the opportunity to see how everything worked, he decided to start his own business. The key difference is that, unlike most stores at the time, Todd decided to sell domestic birds — ones who had been raised from eggs by people and not taken from their natural habitats.
The store opened in 1983, in a tiny room inside a fish factory. Just a few years later, he moved the business to a small store in a new location, but thanks to the rapidly growing popularity of the store — which stemmed from Todd’s friendly and straightforward demeanor and specialist knowledge — he soon needed a larger space. This success led to him moving to a location in the Mainline Shopping Center, which served him well until 2006, when he expanded into our current 10,000 square foot home in Delran. Every year we continue to grow; In fact, we hope to be moving to an even larger location very soon, with additional improvements!
In 2015, Todd “retired” and moved to Alaska with his wife (and, of course, their feathered and furry friends). Today, his son Zac is in charge of the store, and he and all of the staff continue the family tradition of providing friendly and helpful service and always prioritizing the health and happiness of their birds.
Innovation Fueled by a Love of Birds
If you’re new to aviculture, you may not realize just how much has changed in the past 30-40 years. It wasn’t until 1992 that the importation of exotic birds became illegal under the Wild Bird Conservation Act. Any reputable pet store today should only sell birds that were raised in captivity in the US.
We take the health of our birds very seriously. If you’ve visited our store, you’ve seen our birds displayed in large, isolated enclosures with glass in the front. Did you know that each of these enclosures has its own air system? It not only purifies the air, but keeps the birds quarantined from both visitors and each other to keep them healthy!
Besides designing these unique enclosures, Todd also looked for ways to make the lives of the people who live with birds a little easier. With birds being the messy eaters that they are, he created a plexiglass seed catcher that attaches to the bird’s cage. While this feature is common on many quality cages now, at the time, this product didn’t really exist.
Birds of a Feather
We are so grateful for all of our customers over the years who share our passion for these beautiful, complex creatures with whom we share our lives. To thank you for your support, we will be holding our annual anniversary sale with savings in-store and online! You can save on bird food, bird cages, and more. As always, feel free to reach out to our friendly staff with any questions you may have.
With the current COVID-19 outbreak, many people are taking precautions to prevent the spread of this coronavirus. But those of us with pet parrots may be wondering: if I get sick, can I transfer the illness to my bird?
The good news is that it isn’t likely that you would transfer this virus to your bird. Evidence right now suggests that the disease is not transferring between species. However, the American Veterinary Medical Association still recommends exercising caution and limiting contact with your pets.
Here, we review some good habits to help keep you and your feathered friends healthy all year round.
Keeping a Clean Environment
To keep both the people and birds in your home healthy, it’s important to practice good hygiene. This means keeping both yourself and your bird’s environment clean.
Hand Washing
The best thing to do when interacting with your birds or any other animal is to thoroughly wash your hands both before and after handling them or any of their toys, food bowls, and cages or perches. Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to help prevent the spread of any virus or bacteria that could be on your hands. Hand sanitizer can be used as a substitute if need be.
Cleaning Cages
Your bird probably spends at least a few hours a day in their cage. Given that parrots relieve themselves pretty frequently — at least a few times an hour, depending on their size — their waste can accumulate pretty quickly on the bars of their cage and whatever material you have at the bottom of the cage (such as newspaper, sand, or pet bedding).
Below, we share some tips for keeping your bird’s cage clean:
Todd Marcus Is Open to Serve You and Your Birds
During this difficult time, we want to assure you that we have all the supplies you need to care for your birds. If you plan on visiting the store, please call to make an appointment; only two people will be allowed in at a time. We also encourage curb-side orders. Or you can order your parrot food and supplies online for convenient delivery no matter where you are.
Whether you’ve just brought home a new baby bird or you’ve been living with your parrot for 20 years, it’s never too late to teach your bird something new! Working on tricks with your bird serves two main purposes: it stimulates your parrot’s intelligence by introducing something novel, and it strengthens your bond by spending quality time together. In fact, even spending just a few minutes a day working on a new trick can help relieve boredom and give your bird something to look forward to. As an added bonus, both you and your parrot will have fun showing off to friends and family!
Getting Started
Before you start teaching your bird any tricks, you will need to master basic handling techniques if you haven’t already. With a new baby parrot, one of the very first things you will want to teach them is how to step up onto your hand. This will enable you to take them in and out of their cage easily. Your bird may be reluctant at first — this is normal. Be patient with them and shower them with praise when they do finally step up onto your hand with ease. If the time that they spend out of their cage is a positive experience, they will be more eager to step up for you next time, too.
Learning New Tricks
Once you and your bird have begun to establish a trusting relationship, you can start working on some tricks together. Keep in mind that different birds mature at different rates. A 6-month-old conure or cockatiel may be excited to work with you on a trick, while an African Grey or macaw of the same age might not yet be ready to learn. Always work at your bird’s pace, and stop if they become bored, frustrated, or uncomfortable.
Handshake
After learning how to step up, an easy trick to transition to is a handshake. Extend your finger to your bird, but don’t let them step up onto it. Stop them with just one fit and give a gentle bounce. As you do the action, give a command such as “handshake” or “how do you do?”.
Wave
Once your bird has learned to shake hands, you can transition to waving. Start with a similar action to a handshake so that your bird only lifts up one foot. But instead of allowing them to shake your hand, hold up your hand and give a command like “wave” or “say hello.”
Dance/Spin/Bounce
This next trick relies on a different strategy. Observe some of the actions your bird does on its own. What happens if you sing or put on some music? What about if you start bouncing around the room? Many birds like to bob their heads, spin, or bounce around. All you need to do is figure out what your parrot enjoys doing, and then pair it with a command!
Tips for Success
Keep training sessions short. Five minutes might be plenty.
Don’t expect mastery after the first session.
Keep commands simple and consistent.
Keep treats on hand as a reward, but only offer a treat after the bird performs the desired action. Make sure the pieces are very small so that you can resume training quickly.
Offer plenty of praise and use excitement in your voice for a job well done.
Everything Your Parrot Needs
Whether you’re looking for your new best friend or you need to stock up on toys to keep your parrot entertained, you’ll find everything your parrot needs in our store and online!
Just like people and other animals, parrots will tell you a lot about how they’re feeling through their body language. However, if you’ve never spent much time with parrots before, then it may be difficult to decode their behaviors. As a bird owner, it’s important to be able to learn to read your bird so that you can foster a positive relationship with them.
While habits vary slightly between species, the following behaviors are common in most parrots:
Eye pinning
What it is: When a parrot rapidly shrinks and dilates their pupils in succession. It is easier to observe in birds with light-colored irises.
What it means: Eye pinning can either be a sign of surprise or excitement, or agitation or anger. For example, many birds will display pinning eyes while they are vocalizing or playing with a favorite toy. On the other hand, if pinning eyes are accompanied by other signs, such as a flared tail, the bird may be feeling threatened. Either way, if your bird is pinning their eyes, it is not a good time to handle them — whether you’re interrupting their fun or something is threatening them, they are likely to bite in response.
Beak grinding
What it is: Side-to-side sliding of the top beak over the bottom, creating a gentle clicking noise.
What it means: Birds most often do this as they are getting ready to go to sleep. It is a sign of contentment, so if you hear this, it means your bird is happy and relaxed!
Beak wiping
What it is: Wiping the beak from side to side, usually on a perch or another surface.
What it means: If your parrot has just finished eating, then it may wipe its beak to remove food that has gotten stuck. Other times, your bird may do this as a display of marking their territory, especially in the presence of another bird.
Regurgitation
What it is: Bobbing head and stretching neck to spit up small amounts of food.
What it means: In nature, birds will regurgitate for their mate, typically while they are sitting on the nest and cannot get food for themselves. If your parrot is regurgitating for you, it is a sign of affection. However, pay attention; if your bird regurgitates frequently right after they eat, it may be a sign of illness.
Tail wagging
What it is: Tail feathers wagging back and forth.
What it means: Just like a dog, parrots may wag their tails when they are happy to see you! One caveat: a quick tail wiggle may also be an indication that your bird is about to *ahem* drop a little something. Recognizing this sign can be very helpful with potty training your bird.
The more time you spend with your bird and observe their behaviors, the more confident you will be in the subtle cues that they are giving you about how they’re feeling. Knowing the times when your bird is happy and ready to interact will help you to strengthen your bond.
Got a question about something that your bird does? Let us know! We’re always happy to answer any questions you may have.
How Do I Choose a Cage for My Parrot or Other Exotic Bird?
An essential item for any new bird owner that they will need from day one is a cage for their feathered friend. While no bird should remain in their cage constantly, it is the place where they will sleep at night and where they will eat and play during the day if no one is at home. It should be a safe and comfortable haven for your bird. The truth is, a good cage is an investment, but it will likely last the lifetime of your bird — which may be 30 years or more.
This brief guide will help you choose the right cage for your parrot or other exotic bird while avoiding some pitfalls that many bird owners fall into.
What size cage do I need for my bird?
Cages come in a range of sizes, and it is critical that you take into consideration the size of your bird and their needs. Keep in mind that your bird will not be flying around in their cage, so it doesn’t need to be overly large, but it should be big enough for them to move around comfortably to a few different perches, eat their food, drink water, and play with some toys.
For smaller birds such as cockatiels and small conures, a cage at least 22×17” or 26×20” should be sufficient. For medium-sized parrots such as large conures, pionus, eclectus, and smaller Amazons, Greys, and cockatoos, you’ll want a cage that is at least 24×24” or 32×23”. Large Amazons, cockatoos, Greys, and macaws would need an even larger cage. There are also some smaller birds, such as toucans, that actually require a much larger cage than other birds their size.
Where can I purchase a cage for my bird?
We always recommend purchasing your cage from a reputable store that understands the unique needs of birds. Lately, many people have been choosing to purchase bird cages on Amazon.com, but this can be problematic for a number of reasons.
Sure, bird cages on Amazon are less expensive. But do you really know what you’re getting? Many of these products are cheaply made in China and are of very low quality. Not only that, but they can pose a significant hazard to your bird’s health.
Problems with Cages Purchased from Amazon
When you purchase a cage of unknown quality from a site like Amazon, you are taking serious risks. Many of the cheap cages there have:
Bars that are welded with sharp edges, which could cut your bird
Flimsy, thin bars can be bent or broken by a bird’s strong beak
Metal that may contain lead or other materials that are toxic to birds
Purchasing a Cage from Todd Marcus
Rather than taking a chance, it makes much more sense to buy a cage from a reputable company. It may cost more money upfront, but it is a worthwhile investment for your bird’s long term health and safety. All of the cages that we sell have:
Rounded edges at all joints
Bars that are an appropriate thickness for the size of the cage
Metal that is lead-free and powder-coated for durability and protection
What’s more, whenever you purchase a bird with us, we will always advise you on the best options for your new pet and even give you a discount on the cage and the shipping cost.
Final Thoughts on Bird Cages
Your bird will likely spend at least a few hours a day in their cage, so it’s important to choose one that will be a safe place for them to call home. We also recommend having a separate play area for your bird, rather than one on top of the cage, as this can cause birds to become territorial. And while they may have been more common in years past, you should never buy a round cage for your bird. Each bird you own also needs their own cage — never assume that they will be friends with other members of your flock!
Here is a quick recap of everything you should know about buying a cage for your bird:
At Todd Marcus, we’re always happy to help you find the right products, from bird toys to parrot food, for all of your bird’s needs. Feel free to reach out to us at any time with questions!
How much do you know about our feathered friends known as parrots? Here are ten interesting facts about these incredible creatures:
There are over 350 different species of parrots. There are 393 species recognized in the order “Psittaciformes” (although sadly some are now extinct). While macaws are probably one of the most widely recognized families, this highly diverse order has an array of birds in just about every size and color. Check out the video below that highlights some of the families of birds known as parrots:
Some parrots can live to be over 80 years old. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the oldest parrot is Cookie, a Major Mitchell’s cockatoo, who was 82 years old when he passed away in 2016. However, there is another bird who is “unofficially” even older — Poncho, a celebrity green-winged macaw who is over 90 years old.
Many parrots can imitate sounds and even learn to talk. Some species are recognized for their exceptional ability to learn words and mimic sounds around them clearly, such as the African grey, some Amazon species, and even the tiny budgie. Many other parrot species can learn to talk as well, although their voices might not be as clear. However, there are many factors that contribute to a bird learning how to talk, and even in a species well-known for talking, not every individual will decide to learn words.
Parrots are some of the smartest animals. More than just learning a few tricks, these birds have been shown to be capable of complex thought processes. The best documented example testing avian intelligence is Dr. Pepperberg’s work with African Grey parrots. Her parrot Alex understood ideas like “same” and “different,” the concept of zero, colors, numbers, and shapes, putting him on par with a child about 5 years old.
In most parrot species, males and females look the same. While some bird species, like peacocks, are known for their striking visual differences between them (known as sexual dimorphism), in parrots, most males and females look alike. The only way to accurately determine sex is with a blood test. A notable exception to this rule is the eclectus — males are green, while females are red.
Most parrots mate for life. Parrots are generally monogamous, and will have one mate for life. For companion parrots, sometimes that “mate” is their favorite person, and can sometimes become “one person birds” who don’t want to be handled by other family members.
Parrots have very powerful beaks. A large macaw may be able to exert as much as 500-700 psi, giving them the power to break open the toughest nuts to crack, like Brazil nuts. However, these larger birds also tend to be very docile, and they very rarely will exert this much force even when they feel threatened.
Parrots are the only birds that bring their feet to their beaks to eat. While some birds can hold their food in their feet, parrots are the only ones capable of using their feet to bring their food to their beak, much like humans and primates use their hands.
Parrots have been kept as pets for thousands of years. Since ancient times, parrots have been companions to people all over the world, from South America to India to Egypt and even China.
Parrots are not domesticated animals. Even a bird that was raised in captivity is still a “wild” bird. Domestication can take hundreds of years, and parrots have only been bred for a few decades. For this reason, parrots are not the ideal pet for every family.
Our staff loves parrots and other exotic birds — feel free to reach out at any time with questions, or to ask about the birds we currently have for sale. This entry was posted
While parrots can make wonderful pets, they are certainly not the right pet for everyone. Just like any other animal, it’s important to do your research before bringing one home. Birds are highly intelligent, social animals that are often compared to human toddlers. Some of the same traits that make them great pets for one person might make them a less than ideal choice for someone else.
At Todd Marcus, we love our birds — but we hate to see someone take a bird home without knowing what they’re getting into. Here, we discuss some of the “problems” with parrots, as well as some of the things that make them fantastic companions.
Why Parrots Are Not for Everyone
Remember how we said birds are like toddlers? You’d be surprised at how similar they are. Birds can be loud, messy, and they’re smarter than you think — which can sometimes get them into trouble.
They can be very messy.
If you watch a bird eat, you’ll notice that a lot of their food ends up on the floor. And the walls. And somehow, halfway across the room. Besides being messy eaters, they will also drop feathers, and some species (particularly Cockatoos and African Greys) will leave a lot of “dust” due to a special powder coating on their feathers. Areas where they live and play need to be cleaned regularly, and even then, don’t expect that your house will ever be “spotless” for more than five minutes.
They are noisy.
Parrots are loud — some more so than others. That’s because in the wild, they need to communicate with members of their flock at a distance. When you bring a bird home, your family becomes the flock, and your bird will communicate with you accordingly. That means they will chatter regularly, alert you to any perceived “danger,” and may be louder during certain times of the day (often, in the afternoon or evening). The noise level can vary widely between different species, from the sweet whistles of a cockatiel to a deep squawk of a macaw to the piercing scream of a conure. If noise is a major concern, such as in an apartment or with a roommate who might not appreciate it, then a bird might not be an ideal pet.
They need dedicated space in your home.
While you don’t need an entire room for one bird, they do need a cage to sleep in and to spend time alone in which has enough space to move around and play with toys. The larger the bird, the bigger the cage you will need to accommodate them. Additionally, you’ll also need a spot where they can spend time out of their cage. This can just be a stand so that they have their own spot out of the cage where they can spend time with you and observe things going on in your home.
They require a little patience.
Birds are known to be anxious, and it typically takes them longer to get used to a new situation than a dog or a cat. That means if you bring a weaned baby bird home, it might take days before it comes out of the cage and steps up onto your hand easily. This is even more true for birds that have had previous homes, like those in our consignment room. They may have unwanted habits or be more reluctant to trust strangers, making them difficult pets for a novice with birds.
They need mental stimulation.
Birds are very intelligent, which means that they crave mental stimulation. Without it, they become bored — which means that they will either get themselves into mischief or become depressed. Neither situation is good, which is why it’s important to provide novel things in their environment, including different types of toys and puzzles, and to spend some time interacting with them each day.
They are not just decoration or a talking novelty.
While there’s no doubt that a parrot’s beautiful plumage can be mesmerizing, a bird should be more than just a colorful centerpiece to show off to guests. And while many parrots can learn to talk, this should never be the sole reason for wanting one as a pet. Parrots are more likely to speak when they have regular interaction with you, but even in a species that is well-known for its talking ability, there is never a guarantee that an individual bird will talk.
They are a long-term commitment.
When choosing a parrot as a family pet, you may be selecting a companion for life. It’s not uncommon for many species of parrots to live 30 years, and some larger birds may even live up to 80 years or more. Even some small birds that are more common as pets, such as budgies and cockatiels, may live 10-15 years, which means bringing home a parrot is a decision that should not be made on a whim.
Why Parrots Are Great
It might seem like there are quite a few downsides to owning a parrot; however, talk to anyone who has shared their life with one and they will tell you that they are mostly minor inconveniences compared to the joy their bird brings them.
They are highly interactive.
Parrots are very intelligent, as we mentioned, which means that they are relatively easy to train. They love being showered with attention, and training them to do tricks is a great way to bond. These can be simple tricks such as shaking hands or showing off their wings, to more complex tricks like teaching them to put a bird-sized basketball into a hoop. They can even learn to match shapes and colors.
They are very social.
Birds want to be part of your family. In the wild, they spend the day with other members of their flock. In your home, you and your family become their flock members. Daily interaction is important, even if it’s only for a couple of hours. Many birds enjoy just being out on their stand or sitting on your shoulder and observing what you’re doing, whether it’s putting away groceries or washing the dishes (although with the latter, they might want to get more involved).
They are affectionate.
If you’ve never lived with a bird, it might surprise you that they can be super sweet and affectionate. Most birds enjoy having their heads scratched, and some even enjoy cuddles and belly rubs. They also exhibit a high degree of emotional intelligence, and many bird owners say that their birds have been supportive during difficult times.
They teach patience.
While some might view the length of time that it takes for birds to become comfortable in their environment as a negative, it can also be a positive experience for both adults and children. With so much around us offering instant gratification, having a bird as a pet teaches us to be patient and persistent. It makes the experience that much more rewarding when you watch a bird go from reluctantly stepping up onto your hand to begging for your attention the minute you walk in the door.
There are hundreds of different species.
There are so many different species of parrots, and they each offer something different. Even within a family of parrots, there can be many different species of varying sizes and traits. For example, there are over 20 different species of cockatoo, ranging from the tiny, familiar cockatiel to the large and distinctive palm cockatoo. Birds quite literally come in a rainbow of different colors, shapes, sizes, and personalities.
If you think you’re ready to bring a parrot home, we invite you to come visit our store in Delran, NJ, and meet our feathered friends in person. Our staff is always ready to help if you’d like to handle a bird, and they can answer any questions you might have, including helping you to choose the right bird for your lifestyle. Call us today to find out what birds are currently available.
